Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto)http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashx(c) Roadfood.com Discussion Board30Re:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (Root-Beer Man) Man, what a great report! Makes me want to get out a passport and head north.<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/752994Sat, 07 Sep 2013 15:37:00 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (myterry2) Great, great, great, fabulous report with outstanding pictures....<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/001_tt1.gif" alt="" data-smiley="<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/001_tt1.gif" alt="" data-smiley="[:X]" />" /><img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup1.gif" alt="" data-smiley="<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup1.gif" alt="" data-smiley="[8D]" />" /><img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup.gif" alt="" data-smiley="<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup.gif" alt="" data-smiley="[^]" />" /><img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup.gif" alt="" data-smiley="<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup.gif" alt="" data-smiley="[^]" />" /><br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/752936Fri, 06 Sep 2013 23:47:50 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (agnesrob) Such a great report with great pictures!<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/752931Fri, 06 Sep 2013 22:13:21 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (Davwud) I finally made it to The Fish Store.<br> &nbsp;<br> I tried back in August but found out when I got there that it's cash only so had to abort. Your post made me put it at the top of my list.<br> <br>This place really is great. Such great, simple, sandwiches and a fabulous dairy free clam chowder. No dairy but still buttery. Didn't have that creaminess but fantastic none the less.<br> &nbsp;<br> DT<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/752890Fri, 06 Sep 2013 14:07:50 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (Bonk) Great report. You were killing me with the lobster poutine and the smoked meat.<br> &nbsp;<br> I can see the Toronto-Chicago comparisons. Toronto is kind of similar, only without the crime.<br> &nbsp;<br> I think I was a Canadian in a previous life...I have yet to spend time in a Canadian city I haven't liked.<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751870Tue, 27 Aug 2013 19:29:08 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (CajunKing) <b>KT</b> - Wonderful report, jam packed with lots of good tips and places to visit.&nbsp; The Mist tour has always been one of those things to do every time I was at the falls.<br> &nbsp;<br> I have bought many a cuban on the canuck side of the falls and "smuggled" them back in to the states.&nbsp; Best "sandwich" <img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup1.gif" alt="" data-smiley="<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup1.gif" alt="" data-smiley="[8D]" />" /> I have every enjoyed the pleasure of sm... eating!<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751861Tue, 27 Aug 2013 18:06:31 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (rumaki) Wonderful report!&nbsp; I go to Toronto roughly every other year for a conference, and it was a pleasure to read about your adventures.<br> &nbsp;<br> Two comments:&nbsp; Have you ever been to the Chinese restaurants in Fort Erie, which is pretty close to Niagara-on-the-Lake?&nbsp; It's been many years (when I lived in Rochester, NY), but I remember going to Ming Teh there in conjunction with seeing a play at the Shaw Festival.&nbsp; As I recall, there are many Chinese restaurants in Fort Erie, and they're pretty good.<br> &nbsp;<br> Second, although I'm usually in Toronto in November, I was there in August a few years ago, and did something not possible in the winter -- went sailing on the Tall Ship Kajama in Lake Ontario. <a href="http://www.tallshipcruisestoronto.com/&nbsp;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.tallshipcruisestoronto.com/&nbsp;</a> It was just terrific.<br> &nbsp;<br> Also took the ferry to Centreville Island Park so I could ride on the antique carousel.&nbsp; When I arrived in the late morning, they hadn't opened up the carousel shed yet, but I persuaded someone to find the operator for me so I could see it.&nbsp; I was on a tight schedule and couldn't linger, and when I explained I'd come from Minneapolis, they were most accommodating in opening it up for me and letting me take a ride.<br> &nbsp;<br> I love Toronto!<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751846Tue, 27 Aug 2013 15:03:34 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (Davwud) Sniff. &lt;wipes away a prideful tear&gt; <br> &nbsp; <br> My hometown and most favourite city needless to say. It's so nice to see someone from another city come here and gush. It actually happens a lot but people around here seem to have this "Everything is better everywhere else" attitude. <br> &nbsp; <br> I will say that yes, it is long but it had to be. You did what you had to do to get it right. <br> I will also add that I've been to some of your options and others are on my "To do" list. You made some really nice selections. <br> &nbsp; <br> One thing that's not to be missed when in the Niagara region is the <a href="http://www.whirlpooljet.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.whirlpooljet.com/">Jet Boat Tour</a>. A 60 minute ride up the Niagara river (and back) where you run through rapids and get soaked to the bone. Especially if you sit up front. From <a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Niagara+on+the+Lake&amp;ll=43.160615,-79.062424&amp;spn=0.267462,0.441513&amp;oe=utf-8&amp;client=firefox-a&amp;hnear=Niagara-on-the-Lake,+Niagara+Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&amp;gl=ca&amp;t=h&amp;z=11" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Niagara+on+the+Lake&amp;ll=43.160615,-79.062424&amp;spn=0.267462,0.441513&amp;oe=utf-8&amp;client=firefox-a&amp;hnear=Niagara-on-the-Lake,+Niagara+Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&amp;gl=ca&amp;t=h&amp;z=11">Niagara on the Lake</a> <br> &nbsp; <br> There are a few good options for eats in the Niagara region but not a whole lot. When in NOTL we like <a href="http://www.angel-inn.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.angel-inn.com/">The Olde Angel Inn</a>. Craft beer and a nice menu. Try the British style foods. <br> On Chowhound "<a href="http://www.chow.com/profile/12124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.chow.com/profile/12124">TorontoJo</a>" lives in NOTL and has better recommendations. Check her out too. <br> &nbsp; <br> As for the Peameal sandwich at Carousel, you went with the traditional. There's the "Breakfast on a Bun" option that offers the cheese and egg which you seek. <br> A group of us food nuts did a head to head and Carousel blew Paddington's Pub away. <br> Another Toronto "Signature Sandwich" is Veal on a Kaiser. Moustachio's in the lower level of the South Market has a fine example as well as other great stuff. <br> Also at the SLM, there's a Portuguese place near the north entrance that does a ridiculous Bifana. Get it with everything. it's phenomenal. <br> <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2012/03/community-anchor.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2012/03/community-anchor.html">Here </a>is a blog review I did of the market with some in depth history. <br> <br> If you enjoyed the fushion and sandwich aspect, <a href="http://www.banhmiboys.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.banhmiboys.com/">Bahn Mi Boys</a> is amazing. <br> There's also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeyMeatball" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="https://www.facebook.com/HeyMeatball">Hey Meatball</a> which is inspired by Turkish meat ball stands. Featured on Triple D as well. Guy really loved his visit there. <br> &nbsp; <br> I too love Kensington Market. One of my favourite things to do is get a bowl of 3 Chorizo Chili from Segovia Meats. They make many different types of chorizo from all around the Latin world. <br> Patty King patties are good but only when fresh. The best in the city IMHO are from <a href="http://tinnelspatties.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://tinnelspatties.com/">Tinnel's</a>. <br> &nbsp; <br> Anyway, if anyone is planning a trip up here, do not hesitate to PM me or just post in the "Where Should I Eat" forum and hope I see it. <br> &nbsp; <br> DT <br> PS <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/search/label/GTA" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/search/label/GTA">Here</a> are all the places I've blogged about in the city.<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751837Tue, 27 Aug 2013 13:41:52 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (Buffalo Tarheel) Nice report - thanks for all the work you put into it.&nbsp; I hope you have a chance to return and try some of the Buffalo roadfood, but it looks as though you did pretty well on this trip.<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751829Tue, 27 Aug 2013 12:11:00 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (pnwchef) King, great trip report, you really did your homework before you left for vacation. It looks the plan worked, you have a great feel for the culinary treasures of the cities you visit................thx for taking the time....Bill<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751827Tue, 27 Aug 2013 11:41:08 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (CCinNJ) Awesome fun report KingT! <br><br>I love me some Turkish Delight. You hit the TD Jackpot!http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751821Tue, 27 Aug 2013 10:54:55 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (love2bake) Wow--outstanding report!&nbsp; First of all, you have a great writing style--really enjoyable.&nbsp; Second, you seem to have captured so well the sites and neighborhoods you visited, and presented a wonderful array of photos to go with your descriptions.&nbsp; The food you had on this trip was interesting and diverse, from ethnic cuisines to regional specialties, and street food to more modern, higher style. I loved those pictures.&nbsp; Looks like one great trip!&nbsp; I visited Niagara Falls in 2006 and unfortunately did nothing like this.&nbsp; My visit was whirlwind, and I took one of those package tours which actually turned out to be fabulous.&nbsp; Seeing the Falls up close on Maid of the Mist is one of the most amazing things experiences I've ever had--really intense.&nbsp; Thanks so much for sharing this with us! <img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup.gif" alt="" data-smiley="<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup.gif" alt="" data-smiley="[^]" />" /><br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751777Tue, 27 Aug 2013 01:09:55 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (mr chips) A great report about a great city. Lots of info. Will reread it again. Thanks for the effort u put intuit.<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751774Tue, 27 Aug 2013 00:37:13 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (ayersian) Ye gods, what a GREAT report!&nbsp; I've bookmarked it for my next trip to T.O.&nbsp; And here I thought I'd done a fairly good job in getting around that city!&nbsp; Sadly, I visited a measly 0.1% of your offerings, sir.&nbsp; <img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/icon_smile_shy.gif" alt="" data-smiley="<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/icon_smile_shy.gif" alt="" data-smiley="[8)]" />" />&nbsp; Chris<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751764Mon, 26 Aug 2013 22:17:34 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (BuddyRoadhouse) Dang T, you knock it out of the park every time!&nbsp; Mrs. Roadhouse and I have some vague plans for a Canada trip somewhere in the future.&nbsp; When the time comes, your report will be a big help. <br> &nbsp; <br> Lobster Poutine?!?&nbsp; You're killin' me... <br> &nbsp; <br> Buddy<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751762Mon, 26 Aug 2013 22:03:47 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (Michael Hoffman) Great report. I appreciate the effort you put into it. Thanks.<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751753Mon, 26 Aug 2013 21:18:45 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (leethebard) This report was something very special. I loved the info.,the food, the sights. Thanks so much for all the time I know this took to get this out to us. I appreciate this!!!!<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751752Mon, 26 Aug 2013 21:17:05 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (Greymo) I absolutely loved your report.............................it was not too long!&nbsp; I really enjoy sitting down and reading an entire report at one time.&nbsp; You did a great job and I hope that you continue to post your reports, just the way that you did this one.<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup.gif" alt="" data-smiley="<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup.gif" alt="" data-smiley="[^]" />" /><img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/icon_smile_clown.gif" alt="" data-smiley="<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/icon_smile_clown.gif" alt="" data-smiley="[:o)]" />" /><img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/icon_smile_clown.gif" alt="" data-smiley="<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/icon_smile_clown.gif" alt="" data-smiley="[:o)]" />" /><br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751745Mon, 26 Aug 2013 20:28:00 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (ann peeples) Excellent report, King T. Truly a pleasure to read.<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup.gif" alt="" data-smiley="<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/thumbup.gif" alt="" data-smiley="[^]" />" /><img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/biggrin.gif" alt="" data-smiley="<img src="http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/upfiles/smiley/biggrin.gif" alt="" data-smiley="[:D]" />" /><br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751744Mon, 26 Aug 2013 20:23:04 GMTRe:Oh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (Sundancer7) I think your pics and choices are outstanding&nbsp;and perhaps a little lengthy.&nbsp; Outstanding pics and effort.&nbsp; <br>Paul E. Smith <br>Knoxville, TN<br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751741Mon, 26 Aug 2013 20:16:28 GMTOh Canada! (Niagara Falls + Toronto) (KingT) <font size="6"><b>-as seen on <a href="http://chibbqking.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://chibbqking.blogspot.com/">chibbqking</a></b></font><br> Hey all long time no post. My bad. I recently had a travel month (July) special over at <a href="http://chibbqking.blogspot.com/2013/07/regional-eats-road-trip.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://chibbqking.blogspot.com/2013/07/regional-eats-road-trip.html">da ole blog </a>and this is from there. A recent Roadtrip took us thru and then back into Niagara Falls. We opted to go from Buffalo, where we spent Night One, straight into Toronto so that we could enjoy it there on a weekend and then returned to Niagara Falls for two nights before heading home. Second trip here for me which if you've never been is best taken on the Canadian side. Yes it's true the downtown area near the Falls is no different than the Wisconsin Dells or the Jersey Shore but the American side is no different than whatever sleepy suburb you want to name. There are more things to do on Canada's side. This goes for both kids and adults. The views are better too. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/8724886474_2552f97fc9.jpg" /><br>Niagara Falls, Canada<br><br>I had two fond memories of my trip here as a kid. The first being the fact the police there rode horses and carried a stick, the mounties. I didn't see any this trip but there were plenty of squad cars to keep the peace which was there despite the big crowds. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/8723765221_932ce935fa_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/8724882404_9ecefc7d4e_n.jpg" /><br>Strolling around<br><br>The busy season was getting into full swing as the place was packed despite it being a Mon and Tues night we were there. My other memory was the ride on the Maid of the Mist which is in it's last year. They're building a winter storage garage on the New York side which is where it will operate out of next year. They've been giving up close tours of the Falls since 1846. Double damn when the entire downtown area lost power on a beautiful sunny day and they couldn't sell Mist tickets, thus we never made it on. Gotta look at the positives though, I can at least consider myself lucky I wasn't riding the Ferris Wheel when it went out. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/8723757351_70bc5d9d44.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/8723790637_b546518ec7_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/8733101784_450d85cc11_m.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/8723789853_449ecd17e3_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/8723792185_c21ec5334c_n.jpg" /><br>Some sights around town....Call me maybe?!?!?!<br><br>There's alot to do for kids here but not too much for adults. The dining scene is the same way. The downtown area is full of stuff you can waste money on and has all the dining options of every mall in the state rolled into one. If its a chain they're there. From Tim Horton's to TGI-Friday's and every awful spot in between. Although I did read that one of <a href="http://www.meetingscanada.com/news-articles/toronto-chef-jamie-kennedy-to-open-niagara-falls-restaurant-in-november/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.meetingscanada.com/news-articles/toronto-chef-jamie-kennedy-to-open-niagara-falls-restaurant-in-november/">Toronto's top chefs opened a place</a> at the Sheraton at the Falls. We didn't go there and unfortunately the fish and chips place Geo rec's upthread closed down but I did manage to find a few other spots like it around town. Assuming you'll have a car (most people there do) these places arent far and are way better than Wendy's Fried Cod sandwich. So I'd say they're worth seeking out. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/8724909670_e3effc960d.jpg" /><br>Mini-Chain with three locations incl. one in Niagara Falls<br><br>I found Lakeport Fish &amp; Chips while googling the info for Geo's place. I'm glad I found it because they do an excellent frying job here and serve creamy haddock with crispy chips. I had been fiendin' for some all thru our trip to Toronto where "Chippy's" like this are popular. I held off knowing it was one of a few good eating options around the Falls. Fish and Chip spots seem to be everywhere in Ontario. Most of them having been around a while. Lakeport's original location in nearby St. Catharines opened up in 1970. Just $7.95 for a one piece haddock which was a generous sized piece (pollack and halibut also offered). Sun. and Mon. it's buy one dinner and get second half off so you could feed a family here for cheaper than Applebee's. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/8724906646_4beb0fbe43.jpg" /><br>Haddock and Chips<br><br>Day two we needed some lunch before hitting the wineries so we rolled into St. Catharines which was a 10 minute drive from downtown at the Falls. The Fryin' guys is another place I found while searching for Geo's spot and since they've been around since 1949 and so many people were praising the place we went there for lunch. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/8724904726_1e16ae46a6.jpg" /><br>St Catharines, Ontario <br><br>I hadn't heard one "Eh" in Toronto but must of heard 20 from the lady owns this place. She was really welcoming and wasn't lying when she said that we're going to eat some of the best damn fish and chips we ever had. I got a two piece haddock with chips along with a single piece of halibut for us and was loving life then and there. Both Chippy's visited had some of the best damn fries I ever had and served perfectly fried fish atop them. Seek 'em out. There's also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/batterupfishandchips" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="https://www.facebook.com/batterupfishandchips">Batter Up</a> which I wanted to try but they were closed on Monday and didn't open until 2p on Tuesday. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/8723787005_f9dcd0295b.jpg" /><br>Fish &amp; Chips at the Fryin' Guys<br><br>Other non-chain dinner options include quite a few Canadian-Chinese places as well as some Indian eats and an Indian-Chinese restaurant. Me having a little guilty pleasure fascination with other countries takes on Chinese cuisine I had to have some Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls while on this trip. I got an order for $6 with fried rice and an egg roll that wasn't that bad. Actual chunks of white meat chicken inside a dough fried batter formed into balls. Served with sweet and sour sauce on the side. It's basically Canadia's version of ours. More on this cross cuisine with a rich history in another post. This was from China Express which I drove by and decided to try. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/8724905990_214f100987.jpg" /><br>Sweet &amp; Sour Chicken Balls...yes I'm immature and laugh every time I say that<br><br>So is there anything to eat that isn't fried? Yes there is and aside from the casino (and dirty strip clubs) there's another place near where adults can have some fun. I found myself comparing Toronto to Chicago alot on this trip and the town of Niagara on the Lake is to Toronto what Michigan's Harbor Country is to Chicago. Plus theres the added bonus of the Falls nearby. It's about a 15 minute drive.<br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/8724892388_3365322725.jpg" /><br>Niagara on the Lake, Ontario <br><br>This is where I would have stayed had I known. Its the heart of Ontario's Wine Country which is a very booming business these days. There's close to 40 wineries in the area. With them come Tastings, Charming B&amp;B's, Shopping, Spa's, Horse Rides, the renowned <a href="http://www.shawfest.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.shawfest.com/">Shaw Festival Theater Company</a> and good restaurants cooking with locally grown ingredients. All right there on beautiful Lake Ontario.<br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/8723779471_dfca5477a7.jpg" /><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/8724900262_95f8cd2ec7.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/8724891300_b155775f68.jpg" /><br><br>If you're going to stay in Niagara Falls make sure to check out a site like Travelzoo for deals as there's tons of hotels there so they have to give things to get people in. Stuff like free wine tasting cards and a $50 credit at the slot machines which was included in a package I got. We didn't get into town until the early evening on the 1st night opting to further explore Toronto during the day so we planned to use the wine voucher cards the next day. Nice call. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/8731986829_f9eea6d6ee.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/8724897006_0bf256f832_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/8723776201_15d5172e44_m.jpg" /><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/8723775073_5b840d7291_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/8723777229_016b8a4ace_n.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/8723785567_98c2cd89f8.jpg" /><br><br>I'm glad we did as I'm now a little more experienced in something I dont have all that much interest in drinking if beer is an option. I never tried Icewine until this trip. It was pretty damn sweet (and not cheap) so I didn't buy any but could see myself sipping it after dinner now and then if it was around. There was a local brewery there as well. <a href="http://oasthousebrewers.ca/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://oasthousebrewers.ca/">Oast House</a> is putting out some nice stuff. I was sipping it at a bar and later that night for dinner. We tried to stop by their red barn brewery but they weren't open on our trip. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/8723783919_c463e9d57b.jpg" /><br><a href="http://www.peller.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.peller.com/">Peller Estates</a><br><br>So with all the wineries and a cute little town filled with visitors year round you have some nice food options to choose from. I stopped into an outlet of Kurtz Orchards Gourmet Foods while in town and noticed a sandwich menu. I asked what was up and the nice lady working there informed me that they serve soup and sandwiches at their Marketplace a few blocks down. So we rode over. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/8723771507_6898a997f5.jpg" /><br><a href="http://www.kurtzorchards.com/market/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.kurtzorchards.com/market/">Kurtz Orchards Farm and Gourmet Marketplace</a><br><br>Inside they have all sorts of products as well as a place to grab a quick gourmet lunch and some coffee and or ice cream in back. I love Turkish Delights and never saw so many flavors offered anywhere else. I never had better. Also grabbed a few jams and jellies to get my mom mothers day basket going. But my main reason for visiting was to try the Montreal Style Smoked Meat sandwich I saw on the menu at their other place. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/8724888516_9deb294e8e.jpg" /><br>Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich<br><br>They told me their grilled sandwiches were the best sellers and this one was #1. Good for them. This was a nice tasty snack before heading back to Niagara Falls and attempting to ride the Maid of the Mist. We had also decided we would be back later in the evening for dinner from somewhere around there. We chose <a href="http://www.niagarasfinest.com/properties/zeesgrill/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.niagarasfinest.com/properties/zeesgrill/">Zees Grill</a> over the restaurant at Peller Estates which came with high praise but the lady liked what she saw on Zees menu so that's where we went. The restaurant is on the property of the <a href="http://www.niagarasfinest.com/properties/shawclub/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.niagarasfinest.com/properties/shawclub/">Shaw Club Hotel and Spa</a> located in downtown Niagara on the Lake. Looked like a beautiful place to stay. The menu is described as "Contemporary nostalgic comfort food updated with a unique twist".<br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/8723761873_d2fd234dfb_n.jpg" /><br>Mothers Dumplings<br><br>Dumplings to start. I love me some dumplings and these housemade ones with "Pork, Chicken and Shrimp" with "Sweet and Sour Soy Sauce, Cucumber, Daikon and Green Onion Salad" seemed like a good way to start the meal. The waiter informed us one sous chef is from China and this is his grandmas recipe while the other sous chef was from India and used his mothers recipe for the samosas which are also an option under appetizers. I wasn't expecting them to come fried but still pretty damn tasty I thought. Next up for me was a popular Canadian treat I hadn't had all week. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/8723759427_fc67fb1c60.jpg" /><br>Nova Scotia Lobster Poutine<br><br>Despite many options for both smoked meat and poutine while in Toronto I didn't have either of them there so I crossed them off the list on my visit to Niagara on the Lake. Obviously this wasn't your average poutine. Its the only menu item that's remained on it since they first opened, so it's very popular. "House Cut Fries, Butter Poached Lobster, Thornloe Natural Cheese Curds, Red Wine Veal Jus Reduction &amp; Lemon Herb Hollandaise Sauce". Very rich, in taste and style. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/8724879038_0129fc394c.jpg" /><br>Sea Scallops<br><br>She had the "Pan Seared East Coast Sea Scallops". Served atop "Sweet Pea &amp; Best Baa Ricotta Ravioli, Warm Chorizo &amp; Tomato Vinaigrette, Pea Puree &amp; Sprouts For Life Organic Pea Shoots" I got to try half of one and this was an expertly prepared dish. Afterwards we had a few drinks at the bar and then took a walk around on the unusually warm night before heading back to the bright lights, beeping noises and carnival games at the Falls. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/8723758471_b694918850.jpg" /><br>Late Night Stroll down Queen Street...<br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/8724885144_2e6a5125d1.jpg" /><br>...See y'all in Toronto!<br><br>Lakeport Fish &amp; Chips<br>8214 Lundy's Ln&nbsp; <br>Niagara Falls, ON <br>+1 905-357-3232<br><br>The Fryin' Guys<br>155 Lake St&nbsp; <br>St Catharines, ON <br>+1 905-682-8787<br><br>China Express<br>6175 Dunn&nbsp; <br>Niagara Falls, ON <br>+1 905-357-3333<br><br>Peller Estates Winery<br>290 John St E&nbsp; <br>Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON <br>+1 905-468-4678<br><br>Kurtz Orchards Farm and Marketplace<br>16006 Niagara Pkwy<br>Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON<br>(888) 909-2937<br> <br>Zees Grill<br>92 Picton St&nbsp; <br>Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON <br>+1 905-468-5715<br> ________________________________________________<br> &nbsp;<br> <img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/8757664949_e34f07beb7_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8127/8757706863_4a6381684f_n.jpg" /><br>Beautiful Weekend to be here...<br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/8757647375_54e0679ba6_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/8758750572_2b1f6f2ce3_n.jpg" /><br><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8113/8758746052_91fce3e178_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/8757636473_5373e170be_n.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/8758781466_e5284ab721.jpg" /><br>...eating and drinking in this world class city<br><br>Toronto was my choice (with her consent) for my recent recreational trip. As time passed flight prices rose sky-high to out of country places we had in mind. So why not Toronto? It's not in America and it's only an 8 hour drive from Chicago. After this trip I'm ready to say it's easily the best place to visit that you can drive to in that time frame. Hell it might be my favorite city to visit in all of North America. There's also the <a href="http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=15&amp;t=24826" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=15&amp;t=24826">added bonus of Niagara Falls nearby</a> so if you've never been there to see that, this road trip is well worth it. It's got alot of similarities to Chicago down to it's beginnings as the center of the countries Stock Yards. Actually it just passed us in population.<br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/8761375498_3f2d6ea55d.jpg" /><br>Look's familiar...<br><br>Before this trip was decided upon me and friends have had a trip here planned for Summer when Caribbean Carnival aka Caribana kicks off. it's the largest outdoor festival in North America with over a million visitors each year. It's rare for me to be overwhelmed with food options but there was no way I was going to be able to cover what I wanted to eat on three nights in town. That said I still think I did the city justice with this. It's a vibrant multicultural city that cant be covered in one, two or even three trips there. The type of place you look forward to going back to and see what else is going on. Let's do it.<br><br><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8757715255_08ff438845.jpg" /><br>Popular Sandwich Shop in Little Italy<br><br>We got into town around lunchtime and decided to check out this trendy area before checking in. Traffic is pretty bad in Toronto but we found it easy to get around in other ways. The Fish Store and YuNes' Sandwiches was a high priority as far as eats go and my hunch was dead on. Fresh fish for sale and grilled sandwiches to-go are what they do. There's a few seats outside but other than that it's small. I went with the Artic Char Sandwich and added on avocado for a bit extra.&nbsp; <br><br><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/8758841838_989b7719d2.jpg" /><br>YuNes' Arctic Char Sandwich <br><br>As tasty as it is pretty. Simplicity wins here. Perfectly grilled Canadian water caught fish with just garlic and herbs served on a soft Portuguese roll by a cute old Asian couple. This eclectic mixture of things became a trend on this trip. After that we strolled over to another spot I wanted to try. I found this <a href="http://www.blogto.com/toronto/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.blogto.com/toronto/">BlogTO</a> site to be pretty useful as far as finding locally loved food goes. They cover every last bite. Of course this thread was every bit as helpful and just as lusty. <br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/8757713773_a6f7cf56ac.jpg" /><br>Another popular Sandwich Shop in the neighborhood called Porchetta &amp; Co. <br><br>Porchetta is what they do here. Obviously. Although on our Friday visit they were serving soft shell crab sandwiches which they had on special all weekend. If they were half as good as they looked then I know they were great. As was their signature sandwich. The Housemade porchetta with cracklins' topped with grain mustard and Parmesan cheese served on the perfect roll to hold it all together was memorable to say the least. <br><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/8757712263_d20d2ea400.jpg" /><br>Their Signature Sandwich is one of the best you'll find anywhere<br><br>Couldn't ask for a better start with that 1-2 punch. We stayed downtown not far from the shopping district which is where you'll find <a href="http://www.torontoeatoncentre.com/en/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.torontoeatoncentre.com/en/Pages/default.aspx">Eaton Centre</a> which was an absolute madhouse on a Friday around 5p. All of downtown Toronto was, it actually made Chicago seem kind of tame. Eaton Centre is one of the prettier damn malls I've ever walked thru. Taking up an entire block it's multi-leveled with a vaulted glass-ceiling galleria thats modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. I believe I read it's the cities largest attraction with one million+ visitors each week. <br><br><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/8757705613_e6256b040e.jpg" /><br>Inside the Eaton Centre<br><br>I had to leave her behind to do her shopping solo while I went and had a beer. Beer Bistro in Toronto was right down the street from our place of rest so that's where I went. Plenty of good cold beer options here as well as some really nice looking bowls of mussels and what many call the best fries in Toronto. They were just ok. Either I've never had real frites or every place I've ever had them at serves them authentically limp. Still good beer food. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/8757612753_4524c2291c_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/8757704169_419c0a1cbc_n.jpg" /><br>Beer and Frites at Beer Bistro <br><br>Toronto has a little bit of an Izakaya Scene going on. It seems that most of these places come from other parts of the world. Mainly Japan but also Vancouver which is where Guu is from. They call themselves "the Pioneer of Izakaya" there on the West Coast and have a 2nd outlet in Toronto. It was on or list for Friday night. <br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/8758828884_4cfb5cafe5.jpg" /><br>Guu Izakaya via Vancouver<br><br>We put our name down and were told a 35 minute wait which ended up being well worth it. The&nbsp;&nbsp; atmosphere makes you want to drink and the food is well done and of all the places stopped in at on our trip, it probably had the best bang for your buck value. The entire staff is imported from Japan and it's like having one big happy family welcome you to their home. Everything we ate was great, service was top notch and everyone in there was leaving with a smile on their face. Fantastic place. I can easily see why it's so popular. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/8758822886_abb154c9f2.jpg" /><br>a peak inside<br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/8758824056_2b3b22a39e_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/8757695077_f7901a9952_n.jpg" /><br>Scallops Wrapped in Bacon and Takoyaki to start off <br><br><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/8757696107_35e80a035b.jpg" /><br>Spicy Negitoro (Chopped BC Tuna w/ Scallion)<br><br><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/8758819526_c6810e4cab.jpg" /><br>Grilled Saba Mackerel w/ dill herb, garlic, lemon and onion on sizzling plate&nbsp; <br><br><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8266/8757693267_94fb8cd178.jpg" /><br>Maguro Tataki (Seared BC Tuna Sashimi w/ Ponzu and Garlic Chips)<br><br>Went to a couple other popular izakaya's on this trip so I'll just share them here so they can all be together as one. Izakaya Nejibee has over 30 spots in and around Tokyo with their one location outside of Japan located in Toronto. The subway was pretty easy to navigate and well ran. We used it a few times to get around while in town including our trip here. The place is hidden off a busy street in downtown Toronto. <br><br><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8535/8757634431_46846a0ec6.jpg" /><br>Izakaya Nejibee via Tokyo<br><br>Nice place to start the night, or end it I imagine. It was rather quiet here compared to the scene at Guu the night before but it was earlier in evening. Ice cold Asahi from the tap to start was so fresh and so clean. They have different Teppanyaki style items on the menu including their signature "Keichan-yaki". It's a popular eat in Hida-Takayama, Japan made with diced chicken thigh meat, assorted vegetables and a signature sauce served on a sizzling hot plate. Good drinking food. I almost ordered another round despite being headed elsewhere after that.<br><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/8757635421_fd6e2cd227.jpg" /><br>Keichan-yaki<br><br>Saturday around 1a we stopped into Ryoji in Little Italy post bar for some late night slurping. "The only Okinawan-style Izakya in Toronto. With Okinawa's rich history and slightly different culture from mainland Japan, Ryoji offers traditional and inventive Okinawan cuisines and Ramens." This is the first location outside of Japan. There's five others in Okinawa.&nbsp; <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/8757631189_1d50ee2532.jpg" /><br>Ryoji Ramen &amp; Izakaya via Okinawa <br><br>Large space with indoor, outdoor and bar/grill seating available. Our bartender was an engaging guy saying "bet you never expected to find a black bartender at a Japanese bar in an Italian neighborhood in Canada?" but as I said earlier this was a recurring role. Almost 49% of Toronto's population was born outside of Canada. Tonkatsu Ramen is their most popular item and a good way to end a night of drinking. I've never been asked "How would you like your noodles done" when eating ramen before and that was a good start to everything about the bowl with the exception of the meat itself which was too tough. <br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/8757632293_60ff527d70.jpg" /><br>Tonkotsu Ramen<br><br>I spied this place below that was flooded with cabs, some double parked to grab food to go, while waiting outside at Guu Izakaya and went inside to try a samosa as an appetizer. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8758825206_e51340d0b0.jpg" /><br>Popular Cabbie Stop<br><br><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/8758827920_c20e9b9041_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5462/8758826410_3973c07433_m.jpg" /><br>Had to pass on steam table options but fried to order curry chicken Samosa was good<br><br>We made it to a few places as far as drinks go with SpiritHouse being one of the fun ones for crafted cocktails. Yep they've made their way up into Canada, eh. Not cheap, but what places are? Even beer is expensive up there. That said SpiritHouse pour some very good drinks. <br><br><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/8758817790_0f68fe4190.jpg" /> <br>Inside <a href="http://www.spirithousetoronto.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.spirithousetoronto.com/">Spirithouse</a> for Cocktails<br><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/8757663965_f6ec7b261c_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/8757661957_a9c406b07d_n.jpg" /><br>Strolling around town<br><br>Saturday Morning was going to be spent at the <a href="http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/">St. Lawrence Market</a>. This is the day to be there and it was just a 10 minute walk from our hotel so this one one of the things I had on my "must visit" list. I'll just reiterate what everyone else says, why dont we (Chicago) have anything like it? Only answer I can give is that there's not many places in North America that have something similar. What a spot. <br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/8757689493_9c88977ff4.jpg" /><br>St. Lawrence Market<br><br>The Market is open Tues, Wed, Thurs and Fri from 8a to 7p. On Saturdays it's open from 5a to 5p and gets full use with a farmers market and the entire south part of the market open for business. "Pictures say 1000 words" is the old saying so I put a little collage together. It can do most of the talking. I'll just add it's an amazing place on Saturday's. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/8757687963_574d9d1b56.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/8758809956_eb690d0500_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/8757673499_b9cc646fbe_n.jpg" /><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/8757682939_3a7cc9d7df_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/8758805558_687788af2a_n.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8412/8758803472_37f1548e5e.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/8758801740_30ccb52065.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/8757672067_27b22e8aba_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/8758811558_b606fa6164_n.jpg" /><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5460/8757968897_9b6cc33f91_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/8757675335_0354d7aae9_n.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8117/8758003325_51bd2241e4.jpg" /><br><br>It was almost torture not being able to buy much since I had no time to cook any of it. They pretty much have any and everything covered as far as food goes. Every last inch of Toronto's oldest market which has been greatly expanded was covered with vendors. I had an excellent wood fired bagel from St. Urbain to start the day. This is just one of many places cooking food to order inside. I also got some stone crab claws for a $1/each off some kid selling them alongside one of the fish vendors permanent stands and tried plenty of samples from other sites inside. The other item I was going to have to give try was Toronto's signature sandwich.<br><br><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8415/8757669171_8ea03a83dc_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/8757670533_ede653ebf1_n.jpg" /><br>Which one is it gonna be?<br><br>The peameal bacon sandwich might be Toronto's most iconic food offering. In a metropolis filled with delicacies from all over the globe, this is an eat people from the city can call their own. Nothing fancy here, it's very straightforward in fact. Just thick cut slices of peameal bacon on a fresh baked Kaiser Roll. What's Peameal? "The name reflects the historic practice of rolling the cured and trimmed boneless loin in dried and ground yellow peas, originally for preservation reasons." St. Lawrence Market has two places that serve a popular version of this. I chose Carousel Bakery over Paddington's Pump.<br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/8757668065_0194bc0a59.jpg" /><br>Peameal Sandwich from Carousel Bakery <br><br>The bacon itself was really good as was the bun. So obviously so was the sandwich but if they added an egg and some cheese you got a world class breakfast sandwich to be had here but you cant wish ill-will towards those that dont want to mess with tradition. <br><br><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8408/8758791564_30e1d4fd1f.jpg" /><br>Street Performer outside St. Lawrence Market <br><br>Toronto's other signature eat might be Roti. Not from there but popular around different parts of the globe which made its way there with the people that eat it. It's a south Asian bread made with stone-ground wholemeal flour consumed in places like Pakistan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka as well as South Africa and the Caribbean, Trinidad &amp; Tobago in particular. Toronto has all sorts of variations of these on offer. I decided to wait on the Caribbean roti's which should be abundant during Carnival while trying a popular place for East Indian style ones instead. <br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/8757640321_9e9e8374f4_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/8758764118_d4d7a36c20_n.jpg" /><br>Eastern Indian Style Roti Shop on Queen Street West<br><br>I read this is one of the cities best places for Roti of any kind so had to give them a try. They were making the roti fresh in the hot stove before filling it with any of their wide variety of options. I chose a butter chicken with some mango chutney on the side. Similar to burrittos although this roti wasn't eatable by hand. I was fine with that as it was excellent. Nothing like it here in Chicago that I know of so I may have to go back when I return. <br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/8758762884_23624c0ff1.jpg" /><br>Butter Chicken Roti from Gandhi<br><br>My favorite neighborhood on this trip is another popular marketplace that has a multicultural community within it. The entire area of Kensington Market is a National Historic Site in Canada. It's a unique blend of specialty food shops, bars, restaurants and homes where many people from all walks of life in in Toronto descend upon, especially on the weekends when it's nice out. That it was on my strolls thru the area which I visited 3 of the 4 days we were in town. Let's have a look around. <br><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/8757644115_1fbcec9bf7.jpg" /><br>Kensington Market <br><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/8758742670_e0b3f84a0d_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/8757660407_ddc8e8c6e8_m.jpg" /><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5464/8758201293_e59549a624_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/8757650579_fbcaa5f9ef_n.jpg" /><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/8757619097_542b32ffbf.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3804/8758767816_02fe79338c.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/8758834910_d9c0af291b.jpg" /><br>Some sights from the neighborhood<br><br>Just like St. Lawrence does, Kensington gives shoppers the luxury of a wide range of cooking needs all within a one stop reach. But here they're open for business seven days a week. It's not centered on food though you will find plenty of options for that. It's Chicago's Belmont and Clark mixed with Logan Square, Hyde Park and Maxwell Street Market and whatever summer street festival is going on all rolled into one. Tons of specialty stores ranging from clothes to music with most every bar and restaurant offering outdoor seating in the middle of all of it. If you're looking to step away from the chaos you can check out the world famous Hot Box where $5 gets you a non-alcoholic drink and access inside where theres pool tables, board games and a nice outdoor space out back to make all those things more enjoyable. <br><br><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8537/8757620189_ee9d74ce0c.jpg" /><br>I'll be right back...<br><br>I stopped in for research to see what was up. "We do not sell Marijuana" greets you a few times upon entry. But they do have papers, pipes etc. After you give them the fee you're free to play Hungry Hippos, shoot some pool or do whatever it is you do out back. What I walked into was a scene similar to the rest of Toronto. A few young Asian ladies speaking in native tongue followed with some hipsters seated next to a group of well dressed 40 something doctor looking yuppies with a Jamaican crew blowing big ones in back. No violence or tension whatsoever but there were quite a few blank stares. So uh yeah, you know where to roll. My bottle of Ting was as refreshing as ever. As far as crack dens go? I dont know, you'll have to ask the Mayor where to find those. <br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2846/8758836210_75c98d9e1f.jpg" /><br>...who's hungry?<br><br>Toronto is the North American hub for Caribbean people so there's no shortage of snacks from the islands. Mentioned upthread and also on BlogTO's "Best Patty list" I took note that the Patty King had a location in the Kensington neighborhood. Ever since my first (of many) trips to Jamaica I've had more than one love, beef patties included. This is a Asian-Caribbean owned bakery putting out some top notch patties and a common street food in Trinidad &amp; Tobago called Doubles. They're sandwiches made with fried flat bread with curried chick peas in between. Chutney toppings vary.<br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/8757708087_8977026eef_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/8758766490_edf79bf630_m.jpg" /><br>Jamaican Beef Patty and a Trinidadian Double from Patty King<br><br><blockquote class="quote"><span class="original">"JeffB"</span>Any good Mexican?</blockquote><br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/8758770470_56cde72843_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/8758771634_ba06b0b0e8_n.jpg" /><br>Yep!<br><br>While walking around one of the days I got a whiff of some really great smells coming from a small walk in space with lots of people around it. Upon stronger smells I realized it was a taqueria which goes by Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos. With the smell too much to pass up we got a spot in line. <br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/8758776608_87fae17599.jpg" /><br>Inside Seven Lives Tacos<br><br>The people who opened up this popular place came from San Diego so the tacos are reflective of the offerings you'd find there. Both the blackened mahi-mahi and their signature Gobernador were excellent. The latter coming with smoked marlin, shrimp and cheese. At $5 each they weren't cheap but were stuffed as far as fish and shrimp goes. Really good.<br><br><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/8758774538_4950eba017.jpg" /><br>Blackened Mahi-Mahi and a "Gobernador" Taco<br><br>One of our days walking around we decided to sit-down on the patio at Amadeus which is a Portuguese restaurant around the action. Sausage was good but expensive as were the mussels and sangria. This is one of the few places I'd probable have little interest in going back to but would be down to drink on the deck.<br><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/8758777990_6a3671ffe8.jpg" /><br>Outdoor Lounging/Dining at the Market <br><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/8757655143_037e9257c1_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/8758779124_8a25b3be31_m.jpg" /><br>Sangria and Mussels in the sun at Amadeu's<br><br>Aside from Guu we had two other dinners planned and unfortunately I forgot my camera in a rush to make our reservation at <a href="http://sociale.ca/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="http://sociale.ca/">Enoteca Sociale</a> in the West End. So those of you with the attention span to read this report take note, the place is f'ing amazing. Nothing fancy just simple Roman cooking with the best possible ingredients. Amazing pastas and perfectly paired drinks. Rodney's Oyster House is the 2nd location from a Vancouver original. If you're in love with bi-valves like I am this is a great stop. Wonderful selection from both coasts and plenty of freshly grated horseradish and strong martinis to boot.<br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8758758530_340f611a6a.jpg" /><br>The bar at Rodney's Oyster House<br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/8757632893_eb772d7d6d.jpg" /><br>a pretty plate of slurpers served<br><br>On our last day before heading to the Falls we spent the morning and early afternoon walking around the Spadina avenue Chinatown (there's four total in town) and just like every other market and mall we went too on this trip it was pretty impressive. <br><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/8759485194_97778bb897.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/8758749472_8683988ff0.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/8758748428_3ff0f08e78.jpg" /><br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/8758755242_7d235710ff_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/8758832525_9ea3cf98b4_m.jpg" /><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/8759489108_a5c6da98fe_n.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5461/8758747224_0c72ae5133_n.jpg" /><br>Spadina Avenue Chinatown <br><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/8758753880_3f5ae750af.jpg" /><br>Dumpling House <br><br>I love me some dumplings and had seen the Dumpling House mentioned upthread amongst other places and decided to walk in for breakfast which ended up being perfect. An order of the pork ones fried and the pork and cabbage steamed were around $10 and normally would of been more than enough for two people but these were really hitting the spot and as good as any I've had in some time. Particularly the fried ones.<br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/8758752630_c611bd4683_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/8759956572_4df8a72b01_m.jpg" /><br>Handmade Dumplings - Steamed Pork and Cabbage<br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7389/8758751534_592c271d42.jpg" /><br>Fried Pork Dumplings <br><br>Final activity was to take the drive around thru some different neighborhoods we hadn't seen since my car was left with the hotel valet for most of the stay. As I did this I was left with wanting more and excited about the prospect of coming back. Added bonus while doing that I also managed to squeeze out a couple spots I'd had on my hit list. <br><br><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8757658471_a7838e1169.jpg" />&nbsp; <br><br><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/8757616883_10a3bebd5a.jpg" /><br>Rolling thru the neighborhoods <br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/8758740482_3a2340172f.jpg" /><br>The Original Mr. Jerk in Cabbagetown<br><br><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8758739016_e03bb1858a.jpg" /><br>1/4 Jerk Chicken Dinner w/ Cole Slaw and Rice &amp; Pea's with Gravy <br><br>Fantastic 1-2 Punch to end my trip. Mr. Jerk is a popular place with several outlets outside of the original I visited. The chicken might of been a tad bit dry from sitting in the warmer but it was authentic with hints of smoke and a really nice paste on top of the gravy they lace over the rice. Some of the better stuff I've had outside of the island served by a sweet Chinese-Jamaican lady.<br><br><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/8758736570_e8032b460e.jpg" /><br>Pizza Pide in East End of Toronto<br><br><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/8758843398_8e18083700.jpg" /><br>Turkish Pizza from Pizza Pide<br><br>I've never been to Turkey but now love me some Turkish style pizza courtesy of Pizza Pide. Fantastic! I got the Turkish sausage with cheese after a long contemplation of some excellent looking offerings. It was enough to feed two ($10) which worked great because the leftovers were better than anything I was eating in Niagara Falls later that evening. All the side toppings of parsley, onions, lemons etc and the bread itself was something I want now But I know I cant get any until I return to one of the great melting pots in all of the world. Toronto, if you didn't know, you need to go. <br><br><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/8938923838_b80365f610.jpg" /><br>Hope you enjoyed the ride...see ya next time<br><br>The Fish Store &amp; YuNes' Sandwiches<br>657 College St&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 416-533-2822<br><br>Porchetta &amp; Co.<br>825 Dundas St W&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 647-352-6611<br><br>Beer Bistro<br>18 King St E&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 416-861-9872<br><br>Guu Izakaya<br>559 Bloor St W&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 647-343-1101<br><br>Izakaya Nejibee<br>24 Welesely Street W<br>Toronto, ON<br>+1 647-748-2882<br><br>Ryoji Ramen &amp; Izakaya<br>692 College Street Unit 690<br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 416-533-8083<br><br>Mehran Restaurant<br>398 Church&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 416-596-6434<br><br>SpiritHouse<br>487 Adelaide St W&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 647-277-1187<br><br>St. Lawrence Market<br>95 Front St E&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 416-392-7120<br><br>Gandhi Indian Cuisine <br>554 Queen St W&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 416-504-8155<br><br>Patty King<br>187 Baldwin St<br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 416-977-3191<br><br>Seven Lives<br>69 Kensington Avenue<br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 416-803-1086<br><br>Amadeu's Restaurant <br>14 Duncan&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 647-260-4156<br><br>Enoteca Sociale<br>1288 Dundas St W&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 416-534-1200<br><br>Rodney's Oyster House<br>469 King St W&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 416-363-8105<br><br>Dumpling House<br>328 Spadina Ave&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON M5T 2E7, Canada<br>+1 416-596-8898<br><br>Mr. Jerk<br>209 Wellesley St E&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 416-961-8913<br><br>Pizza Pide<br>949 Gerrard St E&nbsp; <br>Toronto, ON <br>+1 416-462-9666<br> <font size="6"><b><font size="4"></font></b></font><br>http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/rss-m751736.ashxFindPost/751736Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:09:32 GMT